Abu Dhabi Airports has introduced the Biometric Smart Travel project at Zayed International Airport in collaboration with the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. It has also partnered with Next 50, which specializes in AI-based transportation solutions, on the Smart Travel project which will launch in three phases to integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport.
“The Biometric Smart Travel project reduces the time to serve travelers from 25 seconds to just seven seconds, integrating ticket and travel document verification into a single process and alleviating the burden on human resources by relying on smart gates for identity verification,” stated Saeed Saif Al Khaili, General Director at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Biometric systems
The project will utilize the databases from the federal authority to automatically authenticate travelers using biometric technology. This eliminates the need for prior registration for departing passengers. Through the implementation of the Smart Travel project, Abu Dhabi Airports aims to bolster aviation security and safety protocols within the airport. Moreover, it seeks to improve the traveler experience and streamline the travel process for passengers.
Under the launch of Zayed International Airport’s new terminal in November 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways implemented the biometric systems across multiple touchpoints at the airport. This includes automated traveler registration service, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition verification at e-gates and boarding gates without the need for travel documents or direct interaction with airport staff.
Project expansions
Abu Dhabi Airports has now started implementing another phase of the Smart Travel project by introducing biometric systems for five additional airlines at check-in and boarding gates. In addition, it has installed new e-gates in certain transit areas to register travelers’ biometric data and facilitate facial recognition. The expansion also includes the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets.
“By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines,” stated Andrew Murphy, Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport.
Abu Dhabi Airports’ Biometric Smart Travel project offers several advantages for Zayed International Airport. It will enhance airline performance by eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure expansions. In addition, it will effectively detect fraud and forgery in identification documents.
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